The deceased has been identified as Suraj, son of Babu Rathore. He was sleeping alone inside one of the houses when the fire broke out. While residents of two neighbouring houses managed to escape after noticing smoke and flames, Suraj was unable to come out in time and was burnt alive.
The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of Narmadanagar police station, in an area located near the backwaters of the Indira Sagar dam. Villagers alerted authorities after noticing the rapidly spreading fire engulfing multiple structures in quick succession.
On receiving the information, police and administrative teams rushed to the spot. Six fire tenders were pressed into service to control the blaze. Fire brigades were dispatched from Mundi, Punasa, Omkareshwar and the Sant Singaji Thermal Power Plant, officials said.
Narmadanagar police station in-charge Vikas Khinchi said the fire was brought under control after sustained efforts by firefighters, preventing it from spreading further in the densely built village. “By the time the flames were doused, three houses had been completely gutted. All household belongings were destroyed,” he said.
Preliminary investigation points to an electrical short circuit as the likely cause of the fire, though a detailed inquiry is underway to establish the exact sequence of events. Police have recorded statements of villagers and are examining the site.
The body of the deceased was recovered after the fire was extinguished and has been sent for post-mortem. Revenue officials assessed the damage later in the day.
The district administration said assistance will be provided to the affected families as per government norms. Further action will be taken after completion of the investigation.
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